Dear Friends of
Catholic Education;
It all started when my own children started school
and I wanted to help as a parent volunteer. I soon became known as the "hotdog
lady" of St. Vincent School. It was not a big job but I did so love going into
the school to help where I could for the children. At this time I also became
very involved with Guiding, as a Brown Owl, so we could have another pack and my
girls could join. In 1980 I decided to try to help more and ran for trustee. It
has always been rewarding for me to work on behalf of the children in all our
schools. In 30 years we have grown from just under 10,000 students to nearly
30,000. With all this growth we must never lose sight of why we exist --- the
children!!!
For all these years it has and remains my passion to
see each child reach his or her full potential. They all have gifts and talents
and as a system we must all work to see goals reached. To be able to visit
schools and go on field trips and talk to students and parents keeps me up to
date on the things going on in each school. I have grown myself by being part of
the United Way Board, The Canadian Education Board, and the Ontario Catholic
School Trustees Association Board. All these affiliations, as a representative
of our Board, has given me insight to what is happening in other areas in
education. Over the years I have spoken out on behalf of Special Education and
the needs of identified students, and my other big push has always been the
apprenticeship programs for those students who wish to learn a trade. We have
come a long way with the Halton Industry Education Council and recently the
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs.
I am always ready and able to listen to students,
parents and ratepayers to address their concerns and make sure they receive
answers to their questions. At the board table we are 9 trustees with very
different concerns and backgrounds. It takes a great deal of cooperation to work
together for all the children across Halton. It is necessary to put aside a
personal agenda and work with staff, and ministry officials for the children.
The main role of a trustee is to set policy and then the director and staff put
these policies in motion. In other words the board sets the "What" and the
Director and his staff set the "How".
Some may ask why I still put my name forward and the
answer in easy. It has always been my passion for the children. First my own and
now my Grandchildren and all the other children out there. So once again I ask
for your support on October 25th.
God
Bless!!!!
Alice
Anne LeMay